What Are the Cost-Effective Ways to Improve Airbnb Cleaning Efficiency?

Lenard Nagy
Jul 15, 2025

Are you managing an Airbnb property and looking for ways to cut cleaning costs without sacrificing quality? Turnover cleaning is a crucial part of delivering a 5-star guest experience, but it can also become one of the most expensive and time-consuming aspects of short-term rental management.

Efficient Airbnb cleaning ensures quick guest turnovers, maintains hygiene standards, and keeps your property consistently guest-ready. It’s especially important in high-demand areas or during peak tourist seasons when timing and cleanliness can make or break your listing.

In this blog, we’ll explore what are the cost-effective ways to improve Airbnb cleaning efficiency, comparing practical methods, tools, and expert tips to help you streamline operations, reduce expenses, and maintain high cleaning standards.

What is Airbnb and Why Airbnb Cleaning Is Important?

Airbnb allows people to rent out their homes or spare rooms to travellers seeking short-term accommodation. It has grown rapidly due to its flexibility, affordability, and the unique experiences it offers compared to traditional hotels. Hosts on Airbnb range from individual homeowners to professional property managers, all aiming to provide a comfortable and memorable stay for guests.

Cleaning plays a critical role in the success of an Airbnb listing. Unlike hotels where staff clean rooms daily, Airbnb hosts must ensure their property is spotless between each guest stay. Cleanliness directly impacts guest satisfaction, reviews, and future bookings. A well-cleaned space enhances the guest experience, earns better ratings, and increases the chances of repeat stays, all of which contribute to a host's overall success.

What Are the Cost-Effective Ways to Improve Airbnb Cleaning Efficiency?

Improving cleaning efficiency doesn't always mean hiring more help or investing in expensive tools. Sometimes, small, smart choices in your furnishings and supplies can save both time and money during turnovers.

Here are a few practical and cost-effective changes you can make to boost your Airbnb cleaning routine.

Use Bed Bug-Proof Mattress & Pillow Protectors

Mattresses and pillows are costly to replace and time-consuming to clean thoroughly. Using bed bug-proof protectors helps prevent infestations and stains while adding a layer that can be wiped or washed easily between guests. This saves time during turnovers and extends the life of your bedding. It also offers satisfaction to guests, enhancing their sense of hygiene and safety.

These protectors are widely available and can be reused for years with minimal upkeep. Choosing waterproof variants adds extra protection against spills or accidents. They’re a small investment that significantly cuts down on deep cleaning efforts over time.

Choose Durable, Fast-Drying Bed Sheets

Linen turnover time can be a major bottleneck. Investing in lightweight, quick-dry sheets made from polyester blends or microfibre reduces laundry time and electricity use. These sheets hold up well after multiple washes and are less likely to wrinkle, making the bed-making process faster and easier. They're also more cost-effective in the long term compared to heavy cotton alternatives.

Additionally, their quick drying capability reduces dependency on dryers during rainy or humid weather. Many options come in wrinkle-resistant finishes, cutting ironing time altogether. This results in faster turnovers, especially when multiple bookings occur back-to-back.

Stick to Dark or Neutral-Colored Towels

White towels may look luxurious, but they show every stain and require bleach or special treatment. Switching to darker or neutral-coloured towels can help conceal minor blemishes, reduce the need for stain treatment, and extend their usable life.

These towels are also easier to maintain and allow for quicker, less meticulous laundering between guests. They’re also less prone to discolouration from makeup, fake tan, or hair dye. This change helps reduce replacement frequency and keeps your laundry routine simpler. Using uniform towel colours across all properties also simplifies sorting and stocking.

Use Refillable Toiletry Dispensers Instead of Single-Use Bottles

Mini toiletry bottles create waste, cost more over time, and require frequent replacement. Wall-mounted refillable dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash offer a more eco-friendly, cost-saving solution.

They reduce clutter, cut down on supply costs, and are easy to top up during cleaning, streamlining the bathroom reset process. They also improve presentation, giving the bathroom a neat, hotel-style look. Lockable designs prevent tampering and keep products secure during guest stays. They’re available in stylish, modern designs that enhance the bathroom’s visual appeal.

Go for a Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Coffee machines with multiple parts can be difficult to clean, and capsule machines generate ongoing supply costs. A pour-over coffee maker is simple to use, easy to clean, and removes the need for disposable pods or filters.

Guests still get a quality coffee experience, while hosts benefit from fewer parts to sanitise and lower maintenance costs. It also adds a homely touch to the space, appealing to guests who value simplicity. With proper care, a good pour-over kit can last for years with no added cost. It’s also more eco-friendly and reduces reliance on electricity or branded pods.

Conclusion

Improving Airbnb cleaning efficiency does not have to be complicated or expensive. By making smart choices such as using protective bedding, durable and fast-drying linens, refillable toiletry dispensers, and simple appliances, you can reduce turnover time, lower costs, and maintain high cleaning standards.

These cost-effective methods help enhance guest satisfaction, encourage positive reviews, and increase your chances of repeat bookings, all while making your cleaning routine more manageable and reliable.

If you're ready to optimise your Airbnb cleaning routine and save both time and money, Perfect Clean is here to help. Our professional cleaning services across Ireland are designed with Airbnb hosts in mind. Contact Perfect Clean today to ensure your property stays guest-ready, efficient, and spotless every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I reduce the time it takes to clean my Airbnb property?

You can reduce cleaning time by using detailed checklists, choosing easy-to-clean materials and furnishings, and organising your supplies for quick access. Small changes like fast-drying bed sheets and refillable toiletry dispensers also make a big difference.

Is it better to hire a cleaning service or clean the Airbnb myself?

This depends on your availability and budget. Professional cleaners save time and ensure consistent quality, while self-cleaning can save money. Many hosts find a hybrid approach most efficient, handling light tasks themselves and hiring professionals for deep cleans.

How often should I schedule a deep clean for my Airbnb?

It is recommended to schedule a deep clean every 3 to 4 months or after every 15 to 20 bookings. Deep cleaning helps maintain hygiene, extends the life of furniture and linens, and prevents long-term issues like mould or pest infestations.

What types of bed sheets are best for Airbnb cleaning efficiency?

Lightweight, quick-drying sheets made of polyester or microfibre blends are ideal. They dry faster, are less prone to wrinkles, and last longer after repeated washes, making them a cost-effective choice for Airbnb hosts.

How do refillable dispensers save money and time?

Refillable dispensers reduce the need for single-use bottles, cut down on plastic waste, and are quicker to refill during cleaning. They also improve the guest experience with a tidy, hotel-style presentation.

Can guests help reduce cleaning time during their stay?

Yes, many hosts ask guests to complete small tasks before checkout, such as taking out the bins, loading the dishwasher, or stripping the bed. These actions can save your cleaner valuable time without affecting the guest experience.

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*FYI, parts of this blog post were drafted by artificial technlogy. But rest assured, it's been thoroughly researched, edited, reviewed and me & my team.